Designing Your Own Custom Crochet Hat

Continuing our celebration of National Crochet Month, this week’s guest post is from crochet designer, Lorrene Eppolite of Cre8tion Crochet. She HAS written a comprehensive blog post that offers detailed information on how to design and customize crochet hats.

When asking my followers what they have the hardest time designing on their own, they almost always answer “hats.” It’s not just those who are new to crochet either; a lot of veteran crocheters are unable to design their own hat patterns or change existing patterns to fit the size they require.

In this article, I am going to teach you how to design your own crochet hat and how to change any hat pattern to be the size you need. We are going to focus on women’s hat sizes, but the information can be easily applied to any hat sizing/designing issues. We will also discuss how you can make your hats more professional looking by hiding any seams and having an invisible finishing edge.

Basic crochet beanie (lower right corner) with variations

I will teach you the basics to design your own hat or to customize any hat pattern, and I will work with you to create a hat of your own. The hat we will be working on will be a basic beanie, though you will have three different options for style. You can pick from one of the three finishing options in the instructions below.

Once you are comfortable with a basic beanie, you can check out my site for these other style hats.

How to Determine Hat Size

First, let us discuss how to determine the size hat you will need. There are some general size dimensions for head sizes by age. The general measurement for circumference of a woman’s head is 22 inches. You will design your finished hat to be slightly smaller, approximately 18”.

This measurement won’t be right for everyone; some women have smaller heads and some have larger heads. The hat will stretch if needed but does not need to be stretched to fit either. If you do not know the head size for whom the hat will be made, you can follow the chart below for approximate head sizes.

Now here is where the math comes in. We all remember that pi = 3.14, right? Well what does that mean? Pi is a Greek number or unit of measurement which is the circumference of any circle, divided by its diameter. It doesn’t have an exact value, but for all practical purposes, you can use the value of 3.14.

You will need to make each hat slightly smaller (3-4”) than the total circumference of the head for whom it is being made. If you happen to have exact measurements it is great, but if not, you can follow the chart above.

Increasing Rounds Create the “Flat circle”

But how will you know how big to make the hat without making the whole thing, only to realize it is too big or too small? Well that, my friends, is VERY easy.

Every hat pattern made in the round starts with a certain number of increasing rounds. These are the rounds where two or more stitches are placed in specific stitches from the previous round. In order for hats to have a rounded shape the stitches must be increased gradually.

For the best results, I have found that each increase round should increase by the total amount of stitches in the first round. For example if your first round starts with 10 stitches, then your second round should increase by 10 stitches, giving you a total of 20 stitches. Your third round should also increase by 10 more stitches, giving you a total of 30 stitches. (If you begin with 12 stitches your hat should increase this way: 12 > 24> 36, etc.)

I have also found that when starting hats in single crochet, 10 is the optimum number of beginning stitches. If you start your hat in double crochet, 12 stitches is a great place to start. If you are using half double crochet, then you can do either 10 or 12, but I prefer to start with 10 stitches. More advanced stitches such as puff stitches can be done in either 10 or 12, depending on the particular stitch.

The total amount of increasing rounds make up what is referred to as a “flat circle.” This is what you will measure in order to determine the finished hat circumference. You can be as exact as you want with this measurement. In order to determine the diameter needed for your flat circle, you will divide the total hat size circumference (approximately 2” smaller than the head circumference) by pi.

EXAMPLE: My head measures exactly 22”. So I would design my hat to be 20” in circumference. In order to determine what my flat circle measurement needs to be I would divide 20 by 3.14 (pi).

20 / 3.14 = 6.369426751592357

Well I am certainly not going to get that close, but I can round that to the nearest, easily obtainable measurement in inches – 6.25”. I could safely make my flat circle anywhere from 6.0-6.75”, so let’s see how it goes.

In order to simplify this step for you, I have designed the following chart, giving you approximate flat-circle measurements by age group. I have found many charts that have exact flat-circle measurements, but based on personal experience, the results will be far too large. I have made hats for every age group, following numerous charts out there and compared them to the actual size required for a good fit.

I have since come up with the following measurements which are what I use. I get perfect fitting hats every time. The only time these sizes could be increased would be if you are using an extremely tight stitch or a type of yarn that will not offer much stretch. Most natural and synthetic fibers have a lot of give.

Now I would begin to make my hat, using whatever yarn I choose with whatever hook size it recommends. I would increase in rounds until I reached as close as possible to my desired flat circle measurement. So let’s put all of this theory into practical use:

Basic Crochet Beanie Pattern

I am going to use Red Heart Classic worsted weight yarn, using the recommended hook size of 5.5mm (I).

Preliminary Notes:

All abbreviations and stitches used in the following patterns can be found HERE.

For more information on how to increase rounds gradually, you can read this article.

There are three ways to start a hat in the round. You can either:

Make a magic circle/ring, which seems difficult but is really quite easy once you know how. The magic ring will also give you a much more professional finished look. You can read this article and watch this video to learn how to create a magic circle/ring.

Or you can use the chain method. Chain 3-4 (depending on how tight you chain, experiment to see what works best for you) and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Chain 1 (this will not count as your first stitch) and then place the required amount and type of stitches into the center of the ring. Join round with slip stitch (into the first stitch you crocheted, not the 1st sc).

The other method is to chain 2, and then place the desired amount of stitches in the first chain. However, it is sometimes difficult to get the required (10-12) stitches into the first chain.

I will be using my method for creating seamless crochet rounds in this pattern. For more information or if you have any confusion, please read my post on how to make seamless crochet rounds.

Basic Beanie Pattern Instructions

1.Mc/r (or chain3-4 circle) with 12dc . Sl st into the back loop only of the 1st dc to join round. (1.75”)

2. In this round you are going to increase in every st. Ch1. Skip next st. 2dc into the next st and in every st around, (leaving one empty st at the beginning of round). Last 2dc will be stitched into the st previously left empty. Sl st into the 1st dc to join round. <24> (3.0”)

3. In this round you are going to increase in every other st. Ch1. Skip next st. 2dc in the next st . *1dc in next st. 2dc in next st. Repeat from * around (leaving one empty st at beginning of round). Last dc will be stitched into the st previously left empty. Sl st into the back loop only of the 1st dc to join round. <36> (4.25”)

4. In this round you are going to increase in every 3rd st.Ch1. Skip next st. 2c in the next st. *1dc in next st. 1dc in next st. 2dc in next st. Repeat from * around (leaving one empty st at beginning of round). Last dc will be stitched into the st previously left empty. Sl st into the back loop only of the 1st dc to join round. <48> (5.5”)

5. In this round you are going to increase in every 8th st. (this will increase the round by ½ of the amount of stitches previously added per round (6 instead of 12).Ch1. Skip next st. 2dc in the next st. *1dc in each of the next 7sts. 2dc in the next st. Repeat from * around. Last dc will be stitched into the st previously left empty. Sl st into the back loop only of the 1st dc to join round. <54> (6.5”). Circle won’t be exactly flat at this point since we only increased by 6 stitches in this round, but it will still be where you measure since it is your last increasing round.

This is the measurement exactly in the middle of the guidelines and where I like to ideally fall! Keep in mind that your measurements will probably not be exactly the same as mine, depending on how tight or loose you crochet, but you will want to end up somewhere between 6.25-6.75” at this step. If you are grossly off you will need to change your hook size. Go up ½ to one hook size if you are measuring smaller than 6.25” or go down ½ to one hook size if you are measuring larger than 6.75”.

Finishing Options

Decide which design you would prefer to finish with from the choices below.

Option A Finish

6. Ch1. Skip next st. 1dc into the next st and in every st around. (leaving one empty st at the beginning of round). Last 1dc will be stitched into the st previously left empty. Sl st into the back loop only of the 1st dc to join round. <54>

7. Repeat round 7 until you reach your desired height. I made my hat to 7.5” long, which was achieved with 13 rounds total (including increasing rounds).

8. 1sc into the first st (do not chain or skip any stitches). 1sc in every st around. Do not sl st to complete round, instead follow my instructions for making seamless crochet rounds. <54> Weave in beginning tail. Embellish hat as you like. You can find some great flower embellishments in The Flower Repository.

A Note About Hat Length

Here is where we need to discuss length. There are some guidelines for length but it is really more of a personal preference to decide where the hat will lie when finished. I do not like my hats to rest too far down my forehead or neck, as I find it distracting. Optimal length for me is 7.5” long (measured from center/hole to bottom edge of hat.

Some people, however, like their hats to be longer because their hair may be very full, they may not like to where their hats snug, or they may like them to come down low on their forehead or the nape of their neck.

Below are some guidelines for how to decide length of a hat. For now, we will continue with the pattern which I will make to the length I prefer. If you would like your hat to be longer, simply add one or two rows as necessary.

If you want to add a fold up brim, add 3 to 4” to total height (1-1.5” for preemie sizes). If you want to add a floppy/sunhat or cloche style brim subtract 0.5” from the total measurement (not including the brim).

Option B Finish

6. Ch1. Skip next st. 1dc into the next st and in every st around. (leaving one empty st at the beginning of round). Last dc will be stitched into the st previously left empty. Sl st into the both loops of the 1st dc to join round. <54>

7. Ch2 and 2dc into the same space. *Skip 2sts and 3dc in third st. Repeat from * around. Sl st into the top of the ch2 (both loops) to join round. (make sure you are not sl st-ing into the top of the 1st dc). <18 clusters of 3dc>

8. Sl st into the next st. Ch2 and 2dc into the same space. *Skip 2sts and 3dc in third st. Repeat from * around. Sl st into the top of the ch2 (both loops) to join round. <18 clusters of 3dc or 54dc>

9. Repeat Round 8 until you reach approx. ¾” less than desired length is reached. I made this step to 6.75” long, which was achieved with 6 rows of dc and 6 rows of 3dc clusters.

10. 1sc into the first st (do not chain or skip any stitches). 1sc in every st around. Sl st into 1st sc to join round.

11. Repeat round 10. <54> Do not sl st to complete round; instead follow my instructions for making seamless crochet rounds. <54> Weave in beginning tail. Embellish hat as you like. You can find some great flower embellishments in The Flower Repository.

12. Total height 7.5”.

Option C Finish

6. Ch1. Skip next st. 1dc into the next st and in every st around. (leaving one empty st at the beginning of round). Last dc will be stitched into the st previously left empty. Sl st into the both loops of the 1st dc to join round (change color if desired) <54>

7. Ch1. 1ps in same st. Ch1. Skip next st. *1ps in next st. Ch1. Skip next st. Repeat from * around. Sl st into the top of the 1st ps to join round.

8. Ch1. 1ps into same space (behind the next ps of the previous round). Ch1. *1ps in next space (between ps’ of previous round). Ch1. Repeat from * around. Sl st into the top of the 1st ps to join round.

9. Repeat round 8 until you reach approx. ¾” less than desired length is reached. I made this step to 6.75” long, which was achieved with 6 rows of dc (including increasing rounds) and 8 rounds of ps.

10. *1sc into the first st. 1sc in next sp. (do not chain or skip any stitches). Repeat from * to join round. Sl st into 1st ps to join round.

11. 1sc in every st around. Do not sl st to complete round; instead follow my instructions for making seamless crochet rounds. <54> Weave in beginning tail. Embellish hat as you like. You can find some great flower embellishments in The Flower Repository .

12. Total height 7.5”

Customization Measurements

How to measure for customized head circumference:
A tape measure is placed on the forehead, above the eyebrows and slightly above the ears, and passed around the head, ensuring that the widest part of the head is included.

How to measure for customized desired height:
Place a tape measure on your forehead where you want the hat to lay. Pass tape measure over the back of your head and measure to where you would like the hat to lay on the nape of your neck or back of your head. Take that total measurement and divide in half. That is how long you want to make your hat.

Specialty Stitches and Hat Styles

Keep in mind that different stitches will require different dimensions. You can increase specialty stitches such as a puff stitch, shell stitch, X stitch, etc.

However, the flat circle sizing will be different due to the fact that those stitches are larger and have far more give. I recommend using a standard stitch in the increasing rounds and to increase 1 to 1.5” smaller than typical for each age group.

Different style hats also require different fits.

Slouch hats, for example, do not fall into any of the sizing categories, as they are made to be very loose or very tall. The band size, however, will follow the measurements more closely. (To measure circumference using the band simply measure the band at its widest point and double it. That will give you an approximate circumference).

Hipster-style hats are worn shorter but are typically wider.

Cloches are tighter at the head to really accentuate that bell shape.

As you design more, you will learn how to modify the size requirements for different styles and stitches. Do not be afraid to experiment; you can always rip it out and start over … that is how you will learn.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to design your own crochet hat patterns and making your basic beanie. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment on my blog, Cre8tion Crochet or through email at cre8tion@ymail.com.

Thank you for following along and as always… Happy Hookin’!

Lorene Eppolite is an avid crocheter and crafter who blogs about her passions at Cre8tive Crochet. She is one of those rare individuals who can design and crochet a piece without following a pattern. Luckily for us, she decided to create patterns to go along with her fabulous designs, and they are all free at her site. She also sells her custom designs at her Etsy Shop.

Hey Sara, I’m glad you’re finding Lorene’s guest blog post helpful. I know what you mean about having a hard time getting hats to fit; probably why I haven’t made a lot of them. Now I’m thinking of some warm weather hats that might work here. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Thank you so much for sharing this! It is an amazingly helpful article. I have made at least 10 different hats and had to restart time and again to get the measurements correct. No more frogging and restarting for me! <3

You’re welcome, Amy! I’m happy to hear Lorene’s blog post is being so well received. She really provided some excellent information on crochet hat design and fit. And I’m glad to hear your frogging days are over :-)! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Hey Gertrude, if I’m a source of inspiration for you, then this blog is doing it’s job :-). And yes, Sedruola inspires me as well. As for the article, Lorene did an excellent job. I’ve been crocheting for a long time, and I’m still learning. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.

Thank you, this has been very helpful. I have 9 grandchildren and make hats for them, I always worry about size especially if it’s a new pattern. Hopefully I will no longer have to say, “They’ll grow into it” LOL

Hi Joyce, I’m glad you found the article helpful. I learned a lot from it as well. Lorene has definitely taken the mystery out of crocheting hats that fit! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Thank you so much for this information. I recently purchased Leisure art books on crocheted slouchy hats, however as I live in Australia find it difficult to source suitable yarn. Your instructions will help me convert the pattern to a different ply wool. Thank you, thank you.

I’m so glad this guest blog post helped you with your hat making! Lorene provided a lot of useful information on how to crochet hats that you and others are really benefiting from. Thanks so much for letting me know :-).

thank you so much for this, i have been having such a hard time customizing the hats i have orders for and i was starting to lose my mind… i do have a few questions. when you go up to the next level and you chain 2 does that count as a hdc or do you start count at the next stitch?
i was using a 5.5 hook and i did 10 to start, i crochet fairly evenly so if i get to number 5 and it is still to small for the measurment is there another level i can add or a level i can do after 4 but before number 5 to make it wider for the measurement. i dont want to have to completely redo it but it is only 5.0 and i need it to be at least 5.25 or higher… please help:)

oh and one more:) for the smaller hats like for babies do you always go to step 5 or do you stop at whatever level it is when you reach your desired diameter or do you need to redo it using a smaller hook so you reach the 5th step

Hi Courtnie, I’m glad you found the post helpful. Actually, this is a guest blog post that was written by Lorene Eppolite of Crochet Cre8tion. She’s the person you should direct your questions to. You can contact her directly at http://cre8tioncrochet.com/contact/. Hope this helps.

Hi! Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. I recently made a hat for a 1 year old, and her mom said her size is 20inches. So i made it at exactly 20. Not a good start cause it ended up fitting me. Never knew that what we make should be smaller, with all these computations. But with these, I am hopeful that I’d be able to make the right hat size this time. Again many thanks and God bless.

Hello, pmesorongon! I’m so glad you’ve found this guest blog post helpful. It was written Lorene Eppolite. I hope you are successful making a hat for the one year old. If you have questions about the process, Lorene will be happy to help you. You can contact her directly at http://cre8tioncrochet.com/contact/. Good luck!

I have a question.. what is the easiest way to visualize, plan or convert a flat type of crochet design into the round? I see a lot of wonderful afghan type of stitches, wash cloth stitches that I’d love to put into a hat, but they’re flat.. am I making sense?

Hi D.W., thanks for your question about hat design. This is a guest blog post that was written Lorene Eppolite. I’m sure she will be happy to help you. You can contact her directly at http://cre8tioncrochet.com/contact/. Good luck!

“Comprehensive!”…. Lorene. This is the most accurate information I have read anywhere when trying to sort out my crochet issues;} Your information is like taking a mini class in Hat Designing….Most generous. My late Aunt was a milliner’ although, I was too little and too late in knowing I loved to make crochet hats. Aunt Lena would have shown me the lay of the land and would have helped me avoid much frustration much sooner in life. It’s never to late and thanks to you I’ll keep going. Thank you so so much Lorene.

Hello and thank you for your comment regarding Lorene’s post on hat designing. This was a guest blog post on my blog which Lorene wrote. If you would like to thank her personally, you can contact her directly at http://cre8tioncrochet.com/contact/. I’m sure she’d be happy to hear from you. Good luck with your crocheted hats.

Hi Lorene: What is meant by the following” “….band size…Isn’t the band one piece and part of the hat? Would I not measure the area where the band of the hat lay against my head, and have one measurement all around? Thank you

Slouch hats, for example, do not fall into any of the sizing categories, as they are made to be very loose or very tall. The band size, however, will follow the measurements more closely. (To measure circumference using the band simply measure the band at its widest point and double it. That will give you an approximate circumference).

Hello and thank you for questions. This was a guest post on my blog that Lorene Eppolite did a while back on crochet hat designing. I would recommend you contact her directly with your questions. She can be reached at http://cre8tioncrochet.com/contact/. Good luck!

I’ve crochet ribbed beanies, but for thes beanies or hats, my circle starts to “cup” I have about 3 attempts that will be perfect for a preemie infant. I’ve followed tutorials and still can’t get a flat circle. I have relaxed my tension, and tried a larger hook to no avail . Help. Thanks anyone. Tancie

Hi Tancie, thanks for your question. If you’re making a hat, is a flat circle really that critical? It’s going to start to cup anyway once you stop your increases for the body of the hat. But if you are doing your increases correctly and the circle still isn’t flat, try “finger blocking” the circle. Lay the circle on a flat surface and stretch it into shape. Also, at the point where the circle starts to cup, try adding some extra increases evenly placed around the circle. I hope these suggestions help.